Core i3-N305
CPU·Budget

Core i3-N305

Intel

PassMark

9,600

MSRP

$309

AVG Price

$309

3 January 2023 (2 years ago)
15 Watt
Alder Lake-N (2023)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core i3-N305 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per module). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 9,600 points. Launch price was $309.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-N305 is positioned at rank #681 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-N305

#669
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
944%
#670
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
930%
#671
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
854%
#672
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
850%
#673
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
843%
#675
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
814%
#676
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
780%
#677
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
779%
#678
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
758%
#681
Core i3-N305
MSRP: $309|Avg: $309
100%
#695
Processor N95
MSRP: $160|Avg: $80
96%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-N305 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i3-N305 is a 8-core / 8-thread processor based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture, manufactured on a Intel 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.8 GHz from a base frequency of 0.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 2 MB (per module) of L2 cache and 96 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 9,600, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Recent generation product.

SpecificationCore i3-N305
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units8C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency0.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designAlder Lake-N (2023)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficientIntel 7 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores6 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data2 MB (per module)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache96 kB (per core)
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)105 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score9,600
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-N305 fits into the FCBGA1264 socket and supports PCIe 5.0. It supports DDR4, DDR5 memory.

SpecificationCore i3-N305
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFCBGA1264
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 5.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4, DDR5
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-N305 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationCore i3-N305
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)105 °C
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Value Analysis

At an average price of $309, the Core i3-N305 delivers 31 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #681 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1331 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i3-N305
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$309
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$309
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$309
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#681
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#1331
Release DateLaunch date3 January 2023 (2 years ago)
Release Year2023
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

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